Just as he was about to remove some of his clothing, which he would carry over on his head as he swam the stream, he was startled by the sound of horses’ hoofs, and he hastily concealed himself in a thicket. Soon a Federal sergeant, accompanied by two soldiers, came down the road, and riding near the edge of the river, dismounted.
“Here is the place,” said the sergeant.
“What are we to do here?” asked one of the men.
“Keep watch to see if any Johnny attempts to cross the river,” answered the sergeant; “but I doubt if we see anything larger than buzzards, and we can’t stop them.”
The men made themselves comfortable, and lay in the shade smoking their pipes. Calhoun was considering the proposition whether he could not quietly withdraw, and flank them without being seen, when one of the men said: “Sergeant, let me go to that house we passed and see if I cannot get a canteen of milk. It will go good with our hardtack.”
“You can both go,” replied the sergeant; “I guess I can stop any one who attempts to cross the river while you are away. But don’t be gone long.”
The men quickly availed themselves of the opportunity, and mounting their horses rode away. The sergeant stretched himself on the ground, and lazily watched the river. Now was Calhoun’s time. He had secured a good revolver when he left Nash[pg 183]ville. This he had kept dry when he swam the river by wrapping it in his outside clothing, which he had made into a bundle, and carried over on his head. Taking the revolver in his hand, ready for instant use, he cautiously crept up on the sergeant.
HE CAUTIOUSLY CREPT UP ON THE SERGEANT.
That individual leaped to his feet as if he had springs when he heard the stern command, “Surrender!”